The ESV fails dramatically in certain portions of the scripture, indicating either a deception that has crept into the conservative view of scripture or a purposeful attempt to subvert the scripture by a liberal or liberals among the Translation editors. The error as to one particular word in the list of the works of the flesh is a deadly error in that it relieves heretics of having their sin in the list of those works. And it works to the benefit of those who attack, undermine, and take over conservative denominations.
The Church’s Responsibility – To Feed the Sheep, even Public Officials
Shepherd keeping the sheep
For example, in the twentieth century, the Protestant Churches of America (The Roman Catholic Church was subject to fewer problems in this area because of its governmental structure & approach to theology) saw a conflict arise to divide whole denominations – the liberal, higher criticism theologians & teachers, who denied major tenets of biblical faith. One of their major beliefs was in the church’s responsibility for social reform. Conservatives who opposed them thought they were entering into a realm that God had forbidden for the church to enter. Therefore, the conservative believers ended up with disdain for social reform, particularly after seeing the leftist political policies advocated by liberals of the church. (And I’m not referring to a political position when I say “conservative” or “liberal” in this context. I’m referring to a belief in the fundamentals of the Christian faith.) Piles of books have been written about the controversy. I want to focus on one aspect of the debate, & I’ll be taking conservatives to task for one of their positions.
The Church’s Responsibility – Feeding the Sheep, even Public Officials
Shepherd keeping the sheep
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?’ He saith unto him, ‘Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.’ He saith unto him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ ” John 21:15, KJV.
